With great food, lush scenery and lots of warm, friendly locals, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam. Sail beautiful Halong Bay. Delight at water puppets in Hanoi. Learn about rich emperors in Hue. Get a new outfit tailor-made in Hoi An. Maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea. With so much to share and do together, you’ll experience the culture, flavours, and highlights of a Vietnamese adventure your family will always remember.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sleep under the stars on a comfortable cruise boat and enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner on board

Enjoy a cyclo tour of Hanoi with your kids that offers an excellent introduction to bustling inner-city Vietnam

A very rich but smooth itinerary that makes easy travelling with your kids of all ages

At Family Travel, we have a passion for helping families all over Australia create meaningful and memorable experiences. Whether you’re a band of avid campers, adventure-seekers, or if you prefer a little luxury, we’re driven to make your holiday dreams come true. With over 20 years of travel experience, you can be sure we can create the right holiday for your family. Can’t find what you’re looking for on our site? Call us on 1300 404 100 and one of our accredited family travel specialists can create an incredible family holiday package for you.

The Family Travel 30 Day Booking Guarantee means that if you can’t get the travel dates you want within 30 days of buying the voucher, we’ll give you your money back

FINE PRINT

Valid for travel: Multiple Departure in 2019

Advertised Per Adult & Per Child prices are based on a package for 2 adult & 2 children package departing on 10 Apr 2019

Subject to availability at time of booking for new bookings only.

All prices are subject to change at any time without notice.

Valid for sales unless sold out prior.

If you need to cancel your trip after travel has been confirmed, the travel operator may impose cancellation fees.

Family Travel Team members receive 10% off any travel insurance policy.

Once your Family Travel holiday has been purchased you will receive a voucher with full redemption details for you to book your travel.

If for any reason you are unable to book your preferred dates please refer to the Family Travel 30 Day Booking Guarantee to understand our refund policy.

When booking in your travel dates, make sure you have your travel voucher number, traveller names (as they appear on their passport), age of travellers and details of any special requirements you wish to highlight to the resort (e.g. vegetarian etc).

We recommend you purchase travel insurance as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

To enter Vietnam, Australian passport holders must have a valid and appropriate visa.

Using official Government of Vietnam services to arrange your visa is recommended. This can be found through The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam linked here. Use the Government of Vietnam’s online information portal to access official visa information, including the type of visa you should apply for.

Alternatively you can contact an external visa provider such as Visa Central directly for more details or to arrange a visa.

Touring: Escape the typical family holiday and trade it in for an adventure. Each tour has been carefully planned with the family in mind with interesting excursions, comfortable transportation and hotels chosen specifically for their family-friendly facilities. family adventure holidays and tours include a range of cultural and active experiences to tantalise young travellers.

Destination: Find streets bustling with people, picturesque landscapes, and the aromas of world-famous street food combining to offer something for every visitor to Vietnam. Kids will love the spectacular landscapes, interesting cultures and fab food, but to really get the most out of Vietnam kids must see jaw-dropping Halong Bay. Ho Chi Minh City is another highlight as it provides amazing education and history, as kids explore amazing sights such as the Củ Chi tunnels. This makes for a great history lesson on guerilla warfare, one the kids are sure to remember. If a relaxing stay is more what you have in mind, spend your days strolling the streets of Hue or Hoi An. These fabulous cities make for great exploring with fabulous architecture or head to the beach for a day of relaxation. With warm and welcoming people, amazing food and a fascinating history Vietnam has something for everyone.

Why is this tour best for families?

The 13 Day Vietnam Family Holiday is designed for families. This gives kids a chance to socialize with others their own age and make new friends, while also spending lots of holiday time with the entire family. Parents can relax as the tour guide takes the wheel and handles all the complicated organisational parts of your family holiday. Meaning you can focus on exploring the sights and teach the kids about the different lives and cultures through travel. Group touring makes for a smooth and hassle-free journey as you take kids to see the UNESCO heritage listed town of Hoi An, cycle to Tra Que village and explore Halong Bay by Junk boat cruise.

Have more than 2 Children? At Family Travel we accommodate all families – Call us on 1300 404 100 for a personalised quote.

1

Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter. The latter is a veritable architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, and your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy some dinner with your family and fellow travellers (this is optional).

2

Hanoi

Embark on a full-city tour of town. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the tranquil Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Also head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, an excellent establishment and longtime friend of Intrepid which lives by the philosophy of ‘know one, teach one’. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

3

Halong Bay

Travel by minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours). The bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour, with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There’s an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There’s also a dining room and bar.

Notes: Due to recent, unforeseen changes by local authorities, many boats are no longer permitted to stay overnight on the bay. This has resulted in a boat shortage. To ensure Intrepid travellers are all accommodated, a larger boat, usually with 12 cabins, may be used, and passengers may be split across multiple boats. An Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route and onboard inclusions will remain the same.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4

Hue

Return to Hanoi by bus (approximately 3.5 hours). From there you will board an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam’s royal past. It’s a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Lie back and enjoy the ride! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but it’s a great idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.

Notes: Sleeper trains typically have four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group.

MEALS: Breakfast

5

Hue

Welcome to Hue! Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast option this morning after you disembark the overnight train. Afterwards, enjoy a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. The trip includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It’s an active Buddhist monastery originating in 1601. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. You will visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, and see the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. There is also the chance to visit the tomb of Minh Mang. Its lush forest backdrop and impressive architecture make it perhaps the most majestic of all the royal tombs.

6

Hue

Delve further into the fascinating former capital today. You will visit the Imperial Citadel, which is the best-preserved remnant of a large citidel and Royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. The foliage-covered ruins make for an interesting couple of hours of exploring. You will visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction wreaked upon the country during the war.

MEALS: Breakfast

7

Hoi An

Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies, then traverse the spectacular Hai Van Pass along the mountains en route to Hoi An (approximately 4 hours). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. It’s perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. It’s also a shopping mecca – browse local markets and shops for original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from.

MEALS: Breakfast

8

Hoi An

After breakfast we head out to spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its stunning palm-fringed white sand and views of the Cham islands. Transfer back to town for lunch, before spending the afternoon learning how to prepare White Rose Cake. This hands on experience is one the whole family will enjoy!

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

9

Hoi An

Enjoy further free time in this beautiful old town. Perhaps take up a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau – dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons. Street food tours can also be arranged. Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity which kids will enjoy is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle. For more optional day- and half-day trips, chat to your leader.

MEALS: Breakfast

10

Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and experience a delicious local lunch of street food, and enjoy an orientation walk. Afterwards, you’re free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon, the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City, for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some serious shopping.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

11

Mekong Delta

Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre where coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. On arrival, board your private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a different part of the local economy. Then head to your overnight homestay by the water. Be invited into a family home for a true local experience – a chance to see daily life from the inside. You’ll be sleeping on simple camp beds in dorm-style rooms, with all meals included. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

12-13

Ho Chi Minh

Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You will visit a local market and soya bean workshop before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one more night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time for a final exploration of the city. On Day 13 your trip comes to an end, and you are free to leave at any time. For those who have booked an airport transfer, the leader will confirm your departure time and onward flight details.

MEALS: 2 Breakfasts, Dinner

FLIGHT

Looking for flights to start your holiday? Family Travel can organise flights to any destination. You can fly to Vietnam from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne on Qantas and Jetstar. Vietnam Airways also fly from Sydney and Melbourne. If you are departing from Adelaide you can fly with Jetstar or Malaysian Airways. Scoot and Thai Airways depart from Perth.

TRANSFER

All domestic transfers are included

WEATHER

Vietnam has two main seasons; dry season from November to April, and a rainy season from May to October.

The dry season also divides into cool and hot seasons. The cool season, which is normally from November to February, is the best time to travel.

VISA

To enter Vietnam, Australian passport holders must have a valid and appropriate visa.

Using official Government of Vietnam services to arrange your visa is recommended. This can be found through The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam linked here. Use the Government of Vietnam’s online information portal to access official visa information, including the type of visa you should apply for.

Alternatively you can contact an external visa provider such as Visa Central directly for more details or to arrange a visa.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Family Travel can arrange a personalised travel insurance quote for you.

Call us on 1300 404 606 and for a 10% discount.

What is included in the deal?
Please refer to the ‘HOLIDAYS INCLUDES’ section. If you are unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 404 100for more details.

Are there any health precautions or vaccinations that my family needs?
We recommend you see your doctor at least eight weeks prior to travel for advice, and to allow time for any necessary vaccinations.

Can Family Travel organise my travel insurance? / Do I need a travel insurance?
We always recommend that you purchase travel insurance as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Family Travel can arrange a personalised travel insurance quote for you. Call us on 1300 404 100 and quote Family10 for a 10% discount.

Can I arrange my flights with Family Travel?
We at Family Travel are fully licensed travel agents and are able to arrange flights to any destination. Call us on 1300 404 100 to get a personalised quote.

When will my booking be confirmed?
Once your Family Travel Voucher has been purchased you will be contacted by a member of the Family Travel Reservations team. Family Travel will work with the tour operator to get you booked onto your preferred travel dates. If for any reason we are unable to book you onto your preferred dates please refer to the Family Travel 30 Day Booking Guarantee to understand our refund policy. When booking into your travel dates, make sure you have your travel voucher number, traveller names and details of any special requirements. The Family Travel team will send an email to you confirming all of your booking information.

The Family Travel 30 Day Booking Guarantee means that if you can’t get the travel dates you want within 30 days of buying the voucher, we’ll give you your money back

What is the cancellation procedure? / Can I cancel or make changes to my booking?
If for any reason you need to cancel, contact the Family Travel reservation team on 1300 404 100, and make sure you have your travel voucher number and traveller names on hand. Please be aware that the travel operator may impose cancellation fees. In addition, Family Travel will charge a AUD $100 per person cancellation fee. Once we have received a variable request for cancellation, we request it be submitted in writing. Once received we will begin to process your cancellation.

I haven’t received my Family Travel voucher yet. What do I do?

If you have not received your voucher within 24 hours contact Family Travel on 1300 404 100 and we will resend your voucher by email.

Where can I find full terms and conditions for Family Travel?
Terms and conditions for each product can be found in the fine print of each booking. Full details on the terms and conditions can be found on the link below.